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Interns with the Office of Sponsored Projects are unpaid internships. Interns participate in projects that directly or indirectly help Smithsonian research, curatorial, and educational staffs prepare proposals and administer grants and contracts. Emphasis is placed on developing special short and long-term projects that will be beneficial and of mutual interest to both the office and the intern.

Applicants with a background or interest in proposal development, grant and contract administration, project management, finance, accounting, or information systems are encouraged to apply. No specific academic background is required. A minimum of 4-6 weeks and at least 15-20 hours per week is required.

2. OSP Overview

Services Provided

The Office of Sponsored Projects (OSP) provides assistance to Smithsonian staff who are seeking, or have obtained external funding for sponsored projects. A “sponsored project” is a research, education, exhibit, training or other activity that receives partial or full funding though the mechanism of a federal or non-federal grant or contract. OSP assists with the acquisition and use of grant and contract funding for Smithsonian research, education and training. Assistance is provided to Principal Investigators (individuals seeking grants or contracts), administrative units, and central management staff.

Types of Work

Principal pre-award functions include:

Advising on funding availability and sources

Assisting with proposal preparation and submission, including meeting sponsor and Smithsonian requirements, and development of the budget

Reviewing and negotiating the terms and conditions of a proposed award and accepting the award on behalf of the Institution

Providing advice and assistance in development of the Institutions’ research policies.